Sunday, June 6, 2010

On June 5 it was my privilege to ordain to the Sacred Priesthood three wonderful men: Raymond Marquez, Bao Nguyen, and Larry Revilla.

Although we only had three candidates this year, the number of new men considering the priesthood and the number in the incoming classes are a hopeful sign for our Archdiocese.

My theme for the homily was that on their Ordination Day they receive a new title: "Father." For the rest of their lives they will be approached and addressed by that endearing new title, a title that resonates through the Hebrew Scriptures and especially in the Christian Scriptures.

Jesus so often specifically addresses his Father in heaven by name. When multiplying the loaves and fishes, he "raises his eyes to the Father." When in the Garden of Olives, he tearfully prays, "Father, if it be your will, let this cup pass me by. But not my will, but yours be done." And on the Cross he prays, "Father, forgive them." And finally, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."As priests we are approached so often by people: "Father, I'm really have problems. Can I speak to you?" Or in the hospital, "Father, help us to understand this terrible illness our father is enduring."

And almost daily, "Father, can I have your blessing?"

Most precious of all, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned."

Yes, and occasionally, "Father, can you spare any extra change?"

We priests need to live out the dignity and awesome meaning of our title, "Father." As I near retirement, I look forward to being known once again by the name I love so dearly--"Father."

May our Father in Heaven bless our three new "Fathers" with grace and blessing over their entire priestly lives!!

Post-Sacrament Evangelization

This Power Point presentation on "Post-Sacrament Evangelization" was given by Cardinal Roger Mahony at the 2014 Religious Education Congress. You are free to use it any way that helps evangelize our people following the reception of the Sacraments.

About Cardinal Mahony Blogs L.A.

Cardinal Roger Mahony Blogs L.A. is the official blog of the Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger M. Mahony. Cardinal Mahony is the fourth and recently retired Archbishop of Los Angeles. Born in Hollywood, he is the first native Angeleno to be created Cardinal.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Cardinal Mahony has served on a number of committees of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, including those on Pro-Life Activities, and Migration & Refugees. He was a member of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (1984-1989) and the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants (1986-1991); he is presently a member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications (1989-2911), the Congregation for Eastern Churches (2009-2013), and on the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See (2000 to 2013. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of The Catholic University of America.